Adam Yauch, better known as MCA from legendary punk-rap group The Beastie Boys, passed away last Friday, May 4th, after a prolonged battle with cancer. Yauch is survived by his wife Dechen, his daughter Tenzin, and a creative legacy that influenced a generation of hip hop, rock, and pop music fans.

Beyond the phenomenal success of the Beaties, Yauch was a passionate activist and a gifted organizer for his causes. Perhaps his most notable effort was the Tibetan Freedom Concert series in the late 1990s, which raised millions of dollars and swaths awareness for the cause of Tibetan Independence from communist China. A devoted Buddhist himself, Yauch's efforts in this arena transcended genre and helped make him on of the true cultural treasures of modern music.

What would Adam think of Occupy Wall St? Thankfully, we don't have to speculate, as there he was marching with us on the Brooklyn Bridge last November in between chemo treatments - a courageous model for all of us 'til the very last moment. Rest In Paradise, Adam and we look forward to hearing your new album in your next lifetime.